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http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte...55841412b0.html

MICHIGAN CITY — Lifesaving throw rings and additional signs warning of the dangers of Lake Michigan are among the first steps sought to decrease the number of drownings and near-drownings near the historic Lighthouse Pier.

The Michigan City Pier Safety Committee was formed shortly after the death of a Napanee man late last summer, who along with five others, were swept off the Lighthouse Pier at Washington Park. Earl Helmuth, 24, his fiancee and two other Amish couples were taking photos at the end of the Lighthouse Pier when a large wave came over the rocks and knocked them all into Lake Michigan.

Five of them were rescued, but Helmuth, who could not swim, drowned. His body was recovered from the lake the next day.

LaPorte County Sheriff John Boyd, who sits on the Michigan City Pier Safety Committee, said the three couples did not recognize the power of the lake.

Lifeguards at Washington Park have had one of their worst seasons for rescues, said Michigan City Parks Department Superintendent Jeremy Kienitz.

Michigan City lifeguards have documented 13 rescues in which victims needed some type of treatment, like CPR, oxygen or transport on backboard to an ambulance, Kienitz said. That doesn't include incidents in which lifeguards help a struggling swimmer get back to shore.

The drowning this week of a 14-year-old boy near the pier underscores the need to move forward with these projects, Boyd said.

Boyd said the iconic landmark and high waves draw visitors to the lakefront. But the combination can be deadly for people caught off guard.